Writhlington’s Village Hall committee may be waiting a little longer than it hoped for a proposed all-weather car park, after Radstock Town Council said on Monday evening that it would be unable to fund such a large amount. Instead, it was agreed to approach B&NES Council for Community Infrastruture Levy money to see if the £17,0000 would be available from this source – but due to timescales, it is looking unlikely that the project under the standing quote will be able to go ahead.

As reported in last week’s Journal, the developer at Knobsbury Lane, Persimmon Homes, has provided a quote to put down a permeable tarmac which would absorb rain on the current grassy surface, thus providing extra parking for users of the village hall and parents picking up and dropping off their children at St Mary’s School. However, this quote had already expired and was being held until the end of June, when it is expected the developer will finish on the site opposite, taking the equipment needed. Therefore, any work done after this time is likely to cost more.

Writhlington Councillor and School Governor, Keith Tyrrell, has been championing the idea alongside the Village Hall committee and the primary school and put forward the proposal to fellow councillors at the meeting. Cllr Chris Dando called for a detailed report on the proposal, arguing that it was dangerous to make such a decision so quickly. He said: “Whilst I have every sympathy with this situation, there may need to be a planning application submitted for change of use and Highways may need an input on access. I am not sure it would be wise to approve such a large sum and set a precedent, when we have very limited sums of money to spend. Perhaps the Town Council would be able to make a contribution, but it is unlikely it would be able to fund the whole amount.”